BOCDC joined the implementation of an international project on the prevention of the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic

November 9, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA /. The Belarusian Red Cross Society (BRCS) has joined the implementation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) project on preventing the A/H1N1 influenza pandemic, as reported today to journalists by BRCS Secretary General Viktor Kolbanov. In Vitebsk, he is accompanying a delegation of IFRC representatives led by the head of the IFRC Moscow regional office, Jaap Timmer, who are familiarizing themselves with the activities of the regional BRCS organization, according to a BELTA correspondent. As the Secretary General noted, the project "Your Best Protection is You" is designed for 2 years. During its implementation, it is planned to conduct trainings to educate the public on preventive measures against A/H1N1 virus infection, and a large number of informational materials will be published with the support of international structures. In addition, within the framework of the project, it is planned to work out a response system for emerging challenges, similar to the A/H1N1 influenza situation, together with the Ministry of Health, executive authorities, and public organizations. Recently, the IFRC has significantly intensified cooperation with the BRCS, moving its regional office from Kyiv to Minsk, and the activity of donors and national societies of this organization from other countries in interaction with the Belarusian Red Cross has also increased. Thus, with the support of the French Red Cross Society, the training of the population in first aid according to international standards with the issuance of a corresponding international certificate has begun in Belarus. The BRCS project to overcome the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, related to the operation of three mobile diagnostic laboratories, as well as the project to create rapid response teams for emergencies, has received financial support. In addition, the International Committee of the Red Cross is already proposing to create a training and experimental base at the BRCS for the development and replication of the experience of the national Red Cross organization in other countries, Viktor Kolbanov added. During the working trip, the head of the IFRC Moscow office, Jaap Timmer, got acquainted with the practical work of the regional BRCS organization in implementing projects supported by this international organization, and also made an introductory trip to the Sennensky district, where he also held a meeting with local public organization activists. -0-